SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Chemistry Minor
Why minor in Chemistry?
Chemistry is the basis for many fields of
engineering, biology, and other sciences. Therefore, it can give you
insights in your field at broad and fundamental levels. That can
strengthen your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections
in your specialization or across disciplines.
Who can benefit from the minor?
Almost anyone, but there are some fields
where a chemistry minor adds particular strengths. For example,
biology-chemistry (major-minor) could prepare you for graduate
school or a career in biochemistry or molecular biology.
Math-chemistry could be an option for people in applied math.
Chemical physics is an important field in physics.
Engineering-chemistry could open new possibilities for you (note
that this major-minor is not equivalent to chemical engineering).
Recently a few colleges have
introduced business-chemistry programs. A business major could gain
valuable technical experience with a chemistry minor. However,
business or humanities majors choosing a chemistry minor would
usually have to count on significant amount of extra course work
(see below).
What's involved?
If you're an engineering or science
major, you may already have several of the courses in the chemistry
minor. The minor requirements include the introductory chemistry
courses with laboratories, the organic sequence (CHEM 210, 212, 213),
and quantitative analysis (CHEM 221). At the 400-level, you can
design your program for emphasis in such areas as physical
chemistry, organic chemistry, or biochemistry.
A chemistry minor may require you to
take a heavier course load or spend extra time completing your
education. You should carefully plan your program with the help of a
chemistry advisor and your major advisor. Except for physical
chemistry, upper division 400-level chemistry courses at Penn State
Erie are given on a rotating basis; each course is taught once every
two years. Physical Chemistry (CHEM 450, 452) is taught every year.
Minor Requirements
Required courses*:
CHEM 110 GN (3)
CHEM 111 GN (1)
CHEM 112 GN (3)
CHEM 113 GN (1)
CHEM 210 (3)
CHEM 212 (3)
CHEM 213 (2)
CHEM 221 (4)
Select 6 to 8 additional credits at the 400-level in CHEM excluding CHEM 494 and 496. A minimum of 26 credits is required for the minor.
* This listing is for illustration only. The Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin is the official source for University requirements. Consult it when making up your program.